The appointment was made by Leo Burnett Worldwide chairman and CEO Linda Wolf, who has also said that Bernadin would be her future successor. Bernadin, aged 50, is likely to take over from Wolf in 12 to 18 months, Leo Burnett said in a statement.
He replaces Bob Brennan, who quit the post in October last year -- one of numerous senior departures at the Publicis Groupe-owned agency.
Pinder, former regional managing director for Leo Burnett Asia Pacific, returns to London to take up the role of president for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Pinder is the former managing director of Ogilvy & Mather in London who joined Leo Burnett Asia Pacific in 2000.
At Lowe New York, the knock-on effect saw client services director Susan Cantor promoted to the role of president, according to reports.
Prior to the merger of Lowe New York and Bozell, Bernardin was president and CEO of Bozell. He started his career in account service and has worked on brands ranging from Bank of America, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chrysler and Jeep, to GM/Opel, Unilever and the famous "Got Milk?" campaign. He has also held overseas positions, including an eight-year stint at McCann-Erickson in Frankfurt and Rome, in addition to managing accounts across other international regions.
According to Wolf: "We have been looking for someone with the right vision, the right global experience, obvious financial acumen, passion for the creative product and the ability to build strong, lasting client relationships. Someone who knows and loves this business and who can make tough, smart decisions. Tom Bernardin has all of that in spades."
At the same time as making Bernadin's appointment, Wolf revealed a new global leadership team. Replacing Pinder is Michelle Kristula-Green, who was president and director of Beacon Communications, the partnership between Dentsu and Leo Burnett in Japan.
Also promoted is European finance director Paul Eichelman, who becomes chief financial officer for Leo Burnett Worldwide.
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